No remorse: Task Force Disiplina enforcer kills 3 teens; QC vows reforms

MANILA, Philippines — Three teenagers were killed on Monday by a drunk member of the Task Force Disiplina, Quezon City’s dedicated personnel to promote discipline, for simply violating the city’s curfew ordinance.

In a statement late on Monday, the city government said police arrested the 38-year-old suspect, identified only as alias “Vin,” after follow-up operations.

The suspect was accused of killing three aged 15, 18, and 19. He is currently facing three counts of murder charges before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

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Authorities also recovered an improvised firearm used by the suspect in committing the crime.

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According to the Quezon City government, Task Force Disiplina helps ensure the implementation of ordinances and rules and regulations in the city. It clarified that its personnel are not issued any firearms.

The suspect was also dismissed from his post at the task force.

READ: SC allows curfew in Quezon City, but not in Manila, Navotas

In a report from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), the fatal shooting occurred at around 2 a.m. on Oct. 12 at the corner of Senatorial Street and Batasan-San Mateo Road in Barangay Batasan Hills.

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Police Lt. Col. Gemmer Tubiera, commander of the Batasan police station, said a drunk Vin, reprimanded the teenagers who were loitering on the street during curfew hours.

Quezon City enforces curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. under City Ordinance No. 2301, series of 2014.

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The suspect, however, got angry when the teenagers responded in a disrespectful manner.

The victims ran away after Vin pulled out a handgun, but he pursued them. After cornering the teenagers, Vin allegedly opened fired, killing them on the spot.

Tubierra said each of the three victims was shot at least once in different parts of their body. One of them was shot in the head, another in his chest, and the last one in his flank.

READ: New QC curfew law penalizes lax parents, guardians

The circumstances surrounding the incident and the possible motive remain under investigation, according to the QCPD.

But Tubierra said it was Vin’s alcohol intoxication that led him to commit the crime.

No regrets

Vin, however, told reporters that he did not regret what he did. “Mga salot sila sa lipunan! (They are a menace to society!).”

The QC government strongly condemned the killings and extended its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. It also committed to coordinate with them to provide the assistance and support they need.

“The city government assures the public of its full cooperation with authorities to ensure that the suspect faces the full force of the law and that justice is served for the victims,” it said.

The QC government said it would also conduct a thorough review of Task Force Disiplina’s policies and procedures, particularly those governing personnel recruitment, screening and training.

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“The review aims to identify and address any shortcomings and implement reforms to strengthen discipline, accountability and integrity within the force,” it added. /cb